You may be able to claim compensation for a forklift accident injury. If you were injured while operating a forklift or were otherwise involved in a forklift accident, you may be able to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits, which can cover medical expenses and lost wages related to the injury.
In some cases, it may also be possible to file a personal injury claim against the employer or other party if their negligence or wrongdoing contributed to the accident. This can include cases where the employer failed to provide proper training, failed to maintain the forklift, or otherwise created unsafe conditions that led to the accident.
It is important to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer to determine if you have a valid claim and to understand your rights and options for seeking compensation. A lawyer can help you gather evidence, negotiate with the insurance company, and represent you in court if necessary to seek the maximum compensation for your injuries.
Most common injuries from forklift accidents
The most common injuries from forklift accidents include:
- Fractures: Fractures, such as broken bones, are a common injury from forklift accidents.
- Lacerations: Lacerations, or cuts and punctures, are another common injury from forklift accidents.
- Contusions: Contusions, or bruises, are another common injury from forklift accidents.
- Sprains and strains: Sprains and strains, such as torn or stretched ligaments or muscles, are another common injury from forklift accidents.
- Crush injuries: Crush injuries, such as damage to internal organs or tissue, are another common injury from forklift accidents.
- Internal bleeding: Internal bleeding, such as damage to blood vessels or organs, is another common injury from forklift accidents.
- Amputations: Amputations, or the loss of a limb, are a severe injury from forklift accidents.
- Spinal cord injuries: Spinal cord injuries, such as paralysis, are another severe injury from forklift accidents.
- Traumatic brain injuries: Traumatic brain injuries, such as concussions or skull fractures, are another severe injury from forklift accidents.
- Fatal injuries: Fatal injuries, such as death, are the most severe injury from forklift accidents.
Most common causes of forklift accidents
The most common causes of forklift accidents include:
- Operator error: Operator error, such as improper training, lack of experience, or failure to follow safety guidelines, is the leading cause of forklift accidents.
- Load stability: Load stability, such as overloading or improperly loading the forklift, is another common cause of forklift accidents.
- Environment: Environment, such as poor visibility, uneven or slippery surfaces, or crowded work areas, can also cause forklift accidents.
- Mechanical failure: Mechanical failure, such as malfunctioning brakes or steering, can also cause forklift accidents.
- Speed: Speed, such as driving too fast or slowing down too quickly, can also cause forklift accidents.
- Distractions: Distractions, such as using a cell phone or listening to music while operating the forklift, can also cause forklift accidents.
- Inadequate maintenance: Inadequate maintenance, such as failing to regularly check and repair the forklift, can also cause forklift accidents.
- Lack of safety features: Lack of safety features, such as seat belts or warning lights, can also cause forklift accidents.
- Ignoring safety rules: Ignoring safety rules, such as failing to use seat belts or not wearing protective gear, can also cause forklift accidents.
- Unauthorized operation: Unauthorized operation, such as allowing untrained or unqualified individuals to operate the forklift, can also cause forklift accidents.
Most common locations for forklift accidents
The most common locations for forklift accidents include:
- Warehouses and distribution centres: Warehouses are the most common location for forklift accidents, due to the large amounts of goods and materials being moved and stored.
- Construction sites: Construction sites are another common location for forklift accidents, due to the heavy lifting and movement of materials required for building and construction.
- Manufacturing facilities: Manufacturing facilities are another common location for forklift accidents, due to the heavy machinery and materials used in the production process.
- Loading docks: Loading docks are another common location for forklift accidents, due to the loading and unloading of goods and materials from trucks and ships.
- Retail stores: Retail stores, such as supermarkets and big box stores, are another common location for forklift accidents, due to the movement of goods and materials throughout the store.
- Shipping yards: Shipping yards are another common location for forklift accidents, due to the loading and unloading of goods and materials from ships and boats.
- Ports: Ports are another common location for forklift accidents, due to the movement of goods and materials from ships to trucks or warehouses.
- Mines: Mines are another common location for forklift accidents, due to the heavy lifting and movement of materials required for mining operations.
- Landfills: Landfills are another common location for forklift accidents, due to the heavy lifting and movement of waste and debris.
Jobs Most at Risk of Forklift Injuries
The jobs that are most at risk of forklift accident injuries include:
- Forklift operators
- Warehouse workers
- Construction workers
- Manufacturing workers
- Retail workers
- Distribution center workers
- Shipping and receiving workers
- Port workers
- Mining workers
- Landfill workers
How are forklift injury claims calculated?
Forklift accident injury claims are typically calculated based on the damages and losses sustained by the injured person as a result of the accident. These damages can include both economic damages, such as medical bills and lost wages, and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.
To calculate the value of a forklift accident injury claim, it’s important to gather as much evidence as possible to support your claim. This may include medical records, bills, and documentation of lost wages. You should also keep a record of any ongoing medical treatment or rehabilitation that you may need as a result of your injuries.
In addition to documenting your damages and losses, it’s also important to consider the circumstances of the accident and who may be liable for your injuries. If the forklift accident was caused by the negligence or wrongdoing of another party, such as an employer or the manufacturer of the forklift, you may be able to seek compensation from that party.
It’s a good idea to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney if you have been injured in a forklift accident. They can help you understand your rights and options and advise you on the best course of action for seeking compensation. Attorney Hawk can connect you with vetted local workplace injury lawyers to check your rights for free and seek justice.